New York Jets Claim Overtime Victory, Control Destiny

The New York Jets claimed a playoff spot with a victory over the New England Patriots and a Pittsburgh Steelers loss.

The Jets started the contest moving the ball fluidly, but quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick overthrew some receivers in Patriots territory, which minimized scoring opportunities.

In the first half, New York left some points on the field, but also held the Patriots to three points.

As expected, New England pushed back in the second half with tenacity. Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard forced a fumble on Fitzpatrick, which allowed Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins to score New England’s first touchdown late in the third quarter.

Kicker Randy Bullock’s field goal kept the Jets in the lead 20-13, but Brady answered with a scoring drive featuring tight end Rob Gronkowksi, who made two catches on the drive. Prior to that series, he only caught one pass on the first play of the second half.

Brady completed a touchdown pass to Patriots running back James White to cap an 11-play drive and tie the game at 20.

The action spilled into overtime, which started off in bazaar fashion. Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater opted to kick in a controversial dialogue with referee Clete Blakeman, per NJ.com’s Daryl Slater:

Patriots win the toss and they elect to kick in overtime, for some reason. Some confusion there over what Matthew Slater called.
— Darryl Slater (@DarrylSlater) December 27, 2015

ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted the conversation between Slater and Blakeman verbatim:

The exchange that could help send the Jets to the playoffs... pic.twitter.com/5ErbnKUyfE
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2015

In the aftermath, it turns out Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wanted to kickoff in the overtime period, per ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss:

Matthew Slater says coach instructed Patriots to kick off at start of overtime. The only confusion was which direction they were kicking.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 27, 2015

While Slater quibbled about the kicking the direction, the Jets focused on a one-hit knockout in overtime and successfully marched down the field for a game-winning touchdown pass to wideout Eric Decker on the opening drive, per the Jets’ official Twitter handle:

Officially in control of our own destiny.

Thanks to this. https://t.co/HNzA3f9APZ
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 27, 2015

Game over.

Right before the Jets celebrated in triumph, the Baltimore Ravens earned a 20-17 victory over the Steelers, which sweetened Gang Green’s victory.

New York conquered the AFC East division leader and earned a playoff spot in the process.

Premier Player: Brandon Marshall

Wideout Brandon Marshall caught eight passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots defensive backs didn’t have an answer for the Jets’ top receiving threat. He reached 101 receptions on the season and holds the Jets’ franchise record for most receptions in a single season, eclipsing Al Toon’s 93 receptions in 1988.

Marshall also secured a pivotal 20-yard reception in overtime to lead the Jets into the red zone. New York scored the game-winning touchdown on the following play.

Unsung Hero: Quincy Enunwa

Wideout Quincy Enunwa dropped a pass on 3rd-and-8 deep in Patriots territory that could’ve put the Jets in position to seal a victory in regulation. New York punted to New England with 33 seconds left in the fourth quarter to essentially end regulation with a tie.

Enunwa redeemed himself with a 48-yard reception down the sideline, which placed the offense on the Patriots 30-yard line. The Jets scored three plays later to claim victory.